Hand sewn Christmas Cards

This year I decided to stitch some cards for close family. I designed them all myself and then got sewing. I think they all look pretty good and I have to admit I have the found the process very therapeutic...apart from the final mad dash to get them finished. They have all been very well received and the smiles on people's faces have cheered me up aswell.

Handmade Christmas Tree

We put our tree up a few days ago and it looks fantastic. I realised that a lot of the decorations are handmade and thought I would share them.

There is a handmade glass Santa ornament from Rome, wooly snowmen, a Santa and felt starts I made when I had swine flu, a lovely felt reindeer sewn by my Mummy, some hand painted glass baubles, the beautiful collection of decorations from my craft swap and a T and L from a craft fare. I just love our tree, it also has a very quirky fairy on top made by my own fair hands.

I have also recently been to see my sister for our annual Christmas get together and as she is working the entirety of Christmas it felt even more important for me to see her this year. Due to the fact she lives in London we were able to visit winter wonderland, it was pretty wonderful but rather pricey. Sadly the day was marred somewhat by an aggressive chap on the tube swearing at us for trying to help his fallen mother, not good for the anxiety I was already feeling about being in such a busy place. It was a lovely visit though and great to see my little sis, also good for me and my health as the big wide world can be quite scary at the moment so it's good for me to tackle it head on!

Upcoming sweater club

I start sweater club on Sunday, I have been so indecisive about what to knit but have finally made a decision and paid for the pattern and yarn so no backing out now! I'm excited as I am taking on an Aran. It's a simple one but lovely nonetheless. I am also cracking on with some socks, I want a pair knitted before the weekend but this might be a bit too optimistic as I am in London visiting Rheanne for a few days...train knitting it will have to be! Anyway, here is the jacket I will be knitting but in a lovely grey and my crazy sock knitting.

I knitted a sock

Today I learnt how to knit socks. I only made a little one and its a bit out of proportion but we went through the basics so I should now be able to knit big ones for big feet! How cute is this!

A trip to the seaside

My parents have recently moved from Northamptonshire to Suffolk and despite it being an extra 150 miles away from me I am rather pleased, it's a lovely place to visit!

I have been here since Monday and I head back to Nottingham tonight. It's been lovely. A visit to my parents always is but with the sea and beach thrown in its just a lot better!

I thought I would share a few of my snaps of this beautiful part of the world. Also a couple of Rheanne and I playing with a giant magnifying glass.

Biscuits and another Craft Fair

Today I went to a Craft Fair organised by a friend Jo from Uni who I haven't seen in a very long time.  I was quite excited as not only is she lovely so are her creations!  I was also excited to see another friend Becky from Uni and I was secretly hoping that she would have her baby with her and she did, he's lovely.

Beautiful cakes made by Becky, they were delicious!

 

A gorgeous framed peg board/notice board from Jo's stall.  Cant wait to get it above the desk I will have in the future for my crafting.

I also purchased a letter each for Tom and I to hang on the tree.

Since getting home I have finished cross stitching a fourth Christmas Card  and I have baked some biscuits for Tom because my suitcase is packed to visit my Parents for the week for some fresh sea side air and rest, if I don't get dragged into too much DIY.

It's a lovely recipe for simple but delicious biscuits so I thought I would share.

Mummy Halls Vanilla Biscuits

140g Icing Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla extract/essence

1 Egg yolk

250g Butter

375g Plain Flour

1. Put icing sugar, vanilla, egg yolk and butter into a bowl and stir.  Add the flour and mix to make a firm dough.  Make this into 2 discs and wrap in cling film before placing in the fridge for 20-30 mins.
2. Roll out the dough to the thickness of a £1 coin and cut into shapes.  Place them on lined or greased baking sheet.
3. Bake for 12 mins at about 180 degrees until they are lightly golden.  Place on a wire rack to cool.
4. Decorate with icing and enjoy.  Or if you are like me skip the cooling and icing stages.

 

The finished items (some were still in the oven) the mixture makes a lot!

A personalised birthday card.

I love making cards for people and my newest fave is to cross stitch the person it is for. I like to make a little character with really simple blocks of colours.

This time it was for Becky, well known for her hats, amazing eye lashes and lovely blonde locks. I made a little design and stitched away. It's great and Becky loved it aswell.